Lot 4074

Description

Italy, Bruttium, Lokroi Epizephyrioi, issue for Alexander the Molossian the Epeirote king, (342-334 B.C.), silver stater (10.88 g), obv. laureate head of Zeus Naios of Dodona to right, rev. **ALEXANDROU* to left, **TOU NEOPTOLEMOU* to right, a thunderbolt between, crude eagle's head to right, (S.1985 [£2250], Boston MFA 943, Vlasto 1866, Vlasto, "Alexander, son of Neoptolemos, of Epirus," in Num. Chron 1926, pg. 157, 1.d [This Coin], HGC 3.1, 256 [R2]). Toned, nearly very fine and very rare.

Ex CNG Triton V, January 15-16, 2002 (lot 1138) coming from the William N. Rudman Collection, previously sold in the Classical Numismatic Group Auction 55, 13 September 2000, (lot 76), ex Spink & Sons 1926 = Engel Gros Sale Paris, 17 December 1921 Pl/III, 46; coming from the Sotheby "Late Collector Sale" 1900 (PL.V. 260).
Alexander, son of Neoptolemos, was the king of Epeiros. He was one of the mercenary 'champions' summoned to defend the Greek cities of southern Italy against their enemies. He honored Zeus of Dodona, the central deity of the Molossians, on his coins. The sanctuary of Zeus Naios at Dodona was reputed to be the oldest Greek oracle, and was known to Homer.
Several examples have been sold in recent years realising up to £46,000.